Since May 2023, the traditional cough medicine pipagao has trended on social media as a unique addition to various foods, leading shops from Singapore to New York to sell it as an ice cream flavour.
Most recently, Malaysian ice cream store chain Inside Scoop revealed their version of pipagao ice cream on Sunday evening (28 July).
Source: Free Malaysia Today
However, just two days later, they announced the discontinuation of the flavour following a ban by the Malaysian Ministry of Health on the sale of ice cream products containing the cough medicine.
On Tuesday (30 July), the Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) released a statement regarding a store chain selling ice cream mixed with the traditional cough medicine, pipagao.
KKM revealed that it had reviewed the store’s activities and discovered that the ice cream was prepared using syringes containing the cough medicine.
The ministry noted that pipigao is used to relieve cough and sore throat and is contraindicated for pregnant women.
According to Section 13B (2) of the Food Act 1983, the preparation or sale of any mixed food is prohibited. Violators face a fine not exceeding RM 20,000 (S$5,700), imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both.
Source: Malaysian Ministry of Health on Facebook
Consequently, KKM ordered all stores selling pipagao-flavoured ice cream to immediately halt its sale and stop running advertisements promoting such products.
“The food industry is reminded to be responsible for ensuring that all food products sold comply with the Food Act 1983 and the regulations under it even for the purpose of marketing and sales,” the statement read.
Additionally, the public was advised to be mindful of food safety issues and stay vigilant when purchasing food products that may contain “inappropriate or unsafe ingredients”.
Following this, Inside Scoop announced on its social media pages that it would be discontinuing the sale of pipagao ice cream “immediately” in compliance with KKM’s advice.
Source: Inside Scoop on Facebook
They apologized for any inconvenience caused and assured customers who purchased the product online that they would be refunded.
Source: Inside Scoop on Facebook
The announcement sparked mixed reactions from netizens. Some commented that creativity has boundaries and that the brand should have thought more carefully before adding medicine to food.
Source: Inside Scoop on Facebook
Others, however, said they could simply add pipagao to their ice cream at home.
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Featured image adapted from Free Malaysia Today, Inside Scoop on Facebook
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